Saquon Barkley argues why Eagles shouldn't embrace trade-deadline fire sale

Earlier this month, some suggested that Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman agreeing to trade offensive lineman Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens could be the start of an eventual Eagles fire sale ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. 

It sounds like star running back Saquon Barkley does not want the 2-4 Eagles to punt on this season quite yet. 

Saquon Barkley: NFC East "is asking for someone to take over"

"The beautiful thing about this situation is everything that we want is still there," Barkley said on Thursday, per Johnny McGonigal of PennLive. "Right now, you’re not looking too far ahead, but the NFC East is struggling. The NFC East is asking for someone to take over. There’s going to be a team that figures it out and starts playing at a high level. And we have that opportunity. We have that chance." 

Barkley was referencing how a 3-2-1 New York Giants side that is without injured starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (season-ending knee injury) sits atop the standings of the division that has jokingly been referred to as the "NFC Least." The 2-4 Dallas Cowboys have problems of their own, while the 1-4-1 Washington Commanders could be a loss away from making a head-coaching change. 

As for the Eagles, they were dealing with injury issues before starting right tackle Lane Johnson decided to retire, effective immediately, and before quarterback Jalen Hurts was lost for the rest of this season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs. Barkley hasn't played since Week 4 because of a hamstring injury, but he is on track to be in the lineup when Philadelphia hosts Dallas this coming Monday night. 

"Even with all the crazy injuries and everything that’s happened, we still have a lot of talent," Barkley insisted. "And we have a culture that’s a winning culture."

Saquon Barkley to Eagles: It takes one game to turn things around

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Eagles as 4.5-point home underdogs against the Cowboys. ESPN's Bill Barnwell is among those who think Roseman could at least consider trading Barkley if Philadelphia falls to 2-5, but the ball-carrier seemingly isn't thinking about his uncertain future heading into this weekend. 

"It takes one game," Barkley added during his comments. "It takes one game to kind of get things flowing, get things going in the right direction. You’re going to see what you’re really about. It’s so easy to come in this building and put on a smile and come to work when the world is patting you on the back. When you’re 13-4 and you’re the hottest thing and everyone’s scared of the Eagles. It’s challenging when it’s the opposite way. I’m not from this area, but I live close enough and was raised close enough. That’s what Philly’s about. ... There’s a reason why there’s a statue of a fictional boxer, and his name is Rocky. That’s what this town is about. I feel like they’re going to back us up. But it also takes us taking that mindset. Leadership is going to have to step up, and positivity is going to have to be at an all-time high."